When I started my business, I had two options: venture capital (VC) or bootstrapping. After much consideration, I chose to bootstrap. VC sounded tempting, especially with the prospect of quick funding, but I realized it came with its own set of challenges. Taking on investors meant giving up control over my company, which I wasn’t … Read more
What started as a side hustle became my full-time startup. I had a regular job but spent my evenings working on something I was passionate about—an online store. At first, it was just a way to make extra cash, but soon enough, I realized the potential. I put in hours after work, learning about e-commerce, … Read more
Pitching investors is a delicate balance. Early on, I realized that being too eager could work against me. When I started, I wanted to show investors my passion, but I also learned that they look for confidence, not desperation. The key is to be prepared—know your numbers inside and out, and be clear about your … Read more
My first startup failed, and it was tough. But the lessons I learned were invaluable. The biggest mistake I made was thinking that if I built it, customers would come. I spent too much time on the product and too little on marketing and customer feedback. I also didn’t understand the market well enough. My … Read more
When I started my business, I had no website, no flashy marketing, and definitely no budget for a big online presence. But surprisingly, I still built a profitable business. The secret? I focused on providing value and building a community rather than obsessing over a perfect website. I used social media platforms, like Instagram and … Read more
Traveling to Europe without spending a fortune is possible—if you play the points game right. I signed up for a travel rewards credit card and made it my goal to rack up as many points as possible. I made sure to use this card for all my purchases, from groceries to online shopping, and paid … Read more
When you’re applying for a credit card, it’s easy to focus on the obvious benefits like cashback or miles, but there are often hidden benefits that many cards offer. I learned to dig deeper into the fine print and uncovered perks like extended warranties, purchase protection, and free travel insurance that come with my cards. … Read more
I used to carry around a stack of credit cards for different rewards, but it was too much to manage. Now, I’ve simplified it down to just two cards, and it’s been a game-changer. One card offers cashback for everyday expenses like groceries, gas, and dining, while the other provides travel rewards. The beauty of … Read more
Maximizing cashback rewards doesn’t mean you need to buy extra things you don’t need—it’s about strategic spending. I always choose the right credit card for the specific purchase I’m making. For example, I use a card that gives me 5% back on groceries and another one that gives 2% back on dining. Instead of using … Read more
Getting a premium credit card seemed like a distant dream for someone like me with a modest income. But I was determined to make it happen. The trick was choosing the right card. Many premium cards offer low income requirements if you can demonstrate a solid credit history and responsible usage. I applied for a … Read more